Medical Minute: Safer Implants

Updated: Thu 4:16 PM, Mar 27, 2003

In the early 90’s, silicone breast implants became a hot topic as women began filing lawsuits claiming their implants were leaking and causing health problems. Since that time, more than 20 medical studies have been done and none has found a link between silicone and health problems.

Myrna Perez worked out and stayed in shape. Still, she wished her body was different.

"I was just a little imbalanced. So I just needed that extra curve, the extra curves,” Perez says.

As a 32 AA Myrna wanted more, but was worried about the rumored dangers of standard silicone implants.

"It was just a scary thought, just because of everything that had happened with silicone,” Perez says.

Doctor William P. Adams, a plastic surgeon at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, offered her a new type of silicone implant.

"There's been about 700,000 patients that have gotten the cohesive gel implant internationally over the past seven years, and the data thus far has been very favorable,” Dr. Adams explains.

The new implant is now the most popular type in Europe and South America. With these implants, the silicone is in a cohesive form.

"If we cut the implant in half, it's almost like a jell-o form where it doesn't move out or flow out of the implant,” says Dr. Adams.

If it were to rupture, Dr. Adams believes the silicone would stay in one area and could easily be removed. Myrna was hesitant at first, but now is confident about her decision.

"Just like Lasik or lip gloss. You add things on; it's just another cosmetic. Everything worked out perfectly now. This was the best decision I ever made,” adds Perez.

And, she's confident she chose the safest option.

The current U.S. clinical trial will enroll nearly 1,000 women. Women will be followed for many years to track any potential health problems.

If you would like a transcript and an address to write to for more information, check out the medical breakthroughs Web site on the Internet at www.ivanhoe.com

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